Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 43
Prahlāda Rejects Demonic Diplomacy and Proclaims Navadhā Bhakti
दिग्गजैर्दन्दशूकेन्द्रैरभिचारावपातनै: । मायाभि: सन्निरोधैश्च गरदानैरभोजनै: । हिमवाय्वग्निसलिलै: पर्वताक्रमणैरपि ॥ ४३ ॥ न शशाक यदा हन्तुमपापमसुर: सुतम् । चिन्तां दीर्घतमां प्राप्तस्तत्कर्तुं नाभ्यपद्यत ॥ ४४ ॥
dig-gajair dandaśūkendrair abhicārāvapātanaiḥ māyābhiḥ sannirodhaiś ca gara-dānair abhojanaiḥ
Ni haciendo que lo pisotearan elefantes enormes, arrojándolo entre serpientes terribles, usando conjuros destructivos, precipitándolo desde una colina, recurriendo a engaños de māyā, dándole veneno, dejándolo sin alimento, exponiéndolo a frío, viento, fuego y agua, o aplastándolo con rocas pesadas, pudo el asura matar a su hijo sin pecado. Al ver que no podía dañarlo en modo alguno, cayó en una ansiedad larguísima: ¿qué hacer ahora?
FAQs
He employed many violent methods—elephants, deadly snakes, sorcery, imprisonment, poison, starvation, and exposure to extreme elements like fire, water, wind, cold, and crushing by mountains—yet Prahlāda remained unharmed.
Prahlāda is described as apāpa (sinless) and protected by his unwavering devotion to Bhagavān; the narrative emphasizes that a true devotee is safeguarded by divine will despite material dangers.
Steadfast devotion and integrity can keep one inwardly protected and fearless amid hostility, pressure, or hardship—encouraging resilience grounded in spiritual practice.